1. Tell us about your experience putting together your portfolio for the AL-CIP?
After realizing I met the criteria for the AL-CIP and with encouragement from several colleagues, I decided to submit my portfolio before the second cohort deadline. Because I’m naturally very organized, gathering documents and evidence from the past 10 years was relatively easy. What I didn’t expect was how emotional the process would be. As I assembled the portfolio and wrote about each accomplishment, I found myself truly reflecting on my growth and the progress I’ve made throughout my journey as an IP.
2. Can you provide tips for writing a successful rationale?
First, I created an organized list aligned with each domain and sub-competency. After identifying the strongest pieces of evidence, I wrote brief explanations describing why each one met the requirement. From there, my rationale followed a consistent structure: highlighting the importance of the work, what it demonstrated, the outcome, and my specific contribution. This approach ensured consistency and addressing what was being demonstrated for each sub-competency.
3. What advice would you give to someone considering the AL-CIP?
Start by reviewing the AL-CIP handbook to determine readiness to develop a portfolio. Watch the CBIC AL-CIP video to understand the logistics for the certification and read testimonials from others who have earned their AL-CIP, as these offer valuable insights and tips. Most importantly, give yourself plenty of time to prepare, reflect, gather your evidence, and write well before the submission deadline.
4. What does earning your AL-CIP mean to you?
Earning my AL-CIP represents my commitment to patient safety and the contributions I’ve made to the infection prevention community. It serves as both a milestone in my professional growth and a validation of advanced-level expertise in the field.
